title: Mastectomy and reconstruction in stage IV breast cancer: a survey of UK breast and plastic surgeons.
abstract: The number of women with stage IV disease who have breast reconstruction is small. The primary aim of this study was to examine opinions as to the appropriateness of breast reconstruction in this group. The Association of Breast Surgeons (ABS) and the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) were invited to take part in an online survey. Of the respondents, 78.7% would operate on the primary tumour. Plastic surgeons showed a propensity for immediate reconstruction compared to their breast surgery colleagues, and 26.3% of breast surgeons would not offer reconstruction at all. Immediate latissimus dorsi (LD) flap and implant were the favoured method in early stage disease with delayed LD and implant the most popular option for stage IV disease. As survival figures continue to improve, the number of patients requesting reconstruction is likely to increase. Further debate will be necessary in anticipation of future service development.
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Department, Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JJ, United Kingdom. charlie2@thedurrants.org
authors.forename: C A T
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Durrant
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khatib
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Macneill
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D018427:Breast Implants; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom